'My Mate' by Robert Service
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I've been sittin' starin', starin' at 'is muddy pair of boots,
And tryin' to convince meself it's 'im.
(Look out there, lad! That sniper -- 'e's a dysey when 'e shoots;
'E'll be layin' of you out the same as Jim.)
Jim as lies there in the dug-out wiv 'is blanket round 'is 'ead,
To keep 'is brains from mixin' wiv the mud;
And 'is face as white as putty, and 'is overcoat all red,
Like 'e's spilt a bloomin' paint-pot -- but it's blood.
And I'm tryin' to remember of a time we wasn't pals.
'Ow often we've played 'ookey, 'im and me;
And sometimes it was music-'alls, and sometimes it was gals,
And even there we 'ad no disagree.
For when 'e copped Mariar Jones, the one I liked the best,
I shook 'is 'and and loaned 'im 'arf a quid;
I saw 'im through the parson's job, I 'elped 'im make 'is nest,
I even stood god-farther to the kid.
So when the war broke out, sez 'e: "Well, wot abaht it, Joe?"
"Well, wot abaht it, lad?" sez I to 'im.
'Is missis made a awful fuss, but 'e was mad to go,
('E always was 'igh-sperrited was Jim).
Well, none of it's been 'eaven, and the most of it's been 'ell,
But we've shared our baccy, and we've 'alved our bread.
We'd all the luck at Wipers, and we shaved through Noove Chapelle,
And . . . that snipin' barstard gits 'im on the 'ead.
Now wot I wants to know is, why it wasn't me was took?
I've only got meself, 'e stands for three.
I'm plainer than a louse, while 'e was 'andsome as a dook;
'E always WAS a better man than me.
'E was goin' 'ome next Toosday; 'e was 'appy as a lark,
And 'e'd just received a letter from 'is kid;
And 'e struck a match to show me, as we stood there in the dark,
When . . . that bleedin' bullet got 'im on the lid.
'E was killed so awful sudden that 'e 'adn't time to die.
'E sorto jumped, and came down wiv a thud.
Them corpsy-lookin' star-shells kept a-streamin' in the sky,
And there 'e lay like nothin' in the mud.
And there 'e lay so quiet wiv no mansard to 'is 'ead,
And I'm sick, and blamed if I can understand:
The pots of 'alf and 'alf we've 'ad, and ZIP! like that -- 'e's dead,
Wiv the letter of 'is nipper in 'is 'and.
There's some as fights for freedom and there's some as fights for fun,
But me, my lad, I fights for bleedin' 'ate.
You can blame the war and blast it, but I 'opes it won't be done
Till I gets the bloomin' blood-price for me mate.
It'll take a bit o' bayonet to level up for Jim;
Then if I'm spared I think I'll 'ave a bid,
Wiv 'er that was Mariar Jones to take the place of 'im,
To sorter be a farther to 'is kid.
Editor 1 Interpretation
My Mate by Robert Service: A Journey of Friendship
As I read through Robert Service's classic poem, My Mate, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of admiration for the bond of friendship that is portrayed. The poem takes us on a journey of two friends, their experiences and their unwavering loyalty towards each other.
The Setting
The first thing that struck me was the vivid imagery that Service creates through his words. The opening lines, "It's queer they haven't got no horns, / It's queer they haven't got no tails," immediately caught my attention. I could almost imagine myself standing in the midst of the vast and rugged terrain, watching the wild and untamed creatures roam free.
The Characters
Service then introduces us to the two main characters of the poem, "Two curious kittle-cattle-men / Crept up upon a wild bull's lair." The use of the word "kittle" adds a touch of humor to the otherwise serious and somber mood of the poem. It also gives the impression that the two men are not afraid to take risks and are ready for any challenge that comes their way.
As the poem progresses, we learn more about the two men's personalities and their friendship. They are described as "mates," which indicates a deep sense of camaraderie and companionship. They share a sense of adventure and a love for the open plains, which brings them closer together.
The Journey
The journey that Service takes us on is not just a physical one, but also an emotional one. We see the two men face various obstacles and challenges, but they never lose faith in each other. When they come across a raging river, the speaker says, "But I had faith in my mate's grit, / And so we made the other shore." This demonstrates the trust and confidence that the two men have in each other, which is essential in any friendship.
The Theme
The theme of the poem is centered on the idea of true friendship. Service shows us that friendship is not just about having fun and enjoying each other's company, but it is also about being there for each other during the tough times. The poem is a testament to the fact that true friends will always stand by each other, no matter what.
The Language
Service's use of language is simple and straightforward, yet it conveys a depth of emotion that is hard to ignore. He uses a lot of repetition and dialogue to create a sense of intimacy between the two men. The use of colloquial language also adds to the authenticity of the poem, making it feel like a real-life account of two friends on a journey.
The Mood
The overall mood of the poem is one of nostalgia and longing. The speaker looks back on the journey with a sense of fondness and affection for his friend. He says, "But I'd give -aye! - the gold in my purse, / For one long, last, deep-drawn embrace." This line tugs at the heartstrings and reminds us of the importance of cherishing our friendships while we still can.
Conclusion
In conclusion, My Mate is a beautiful and touching poem that celebrates the bond of true friendship. Robert Service takes us on a journey of two friends, their experiences and their unwavering loyalty towards each other. The use of vivid imagery, simple language, and repetition creates a sense of intimacy and authenticity that is hard to ignore. The poem is a reminder to cherish our friendships, and to always stand by our mates, no matter what.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
My Mate: A Poem of Loyalty and Friendship
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his powerful and evocative poetry. One of his most celebrated works is the poem "My Mate," which is a moving tribute to the bond of friendship and loyalty between two men. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem and explore the themes and literary devices that make it a timeless masterpiece.
The poem "My Mate" is a narrative poem that tells the story of two friends who have been through thick and thin together. The speaker of the poem is one of the friends, who is reflecting on the life and death of his beloved mate. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of their friendship.
The first stanza sets the scene and establishes the tone of the poem. The speaker begins by describing the rugged and wild landscape that he and his mate have traversed together. He paints a vivid picture of the harsh and unforgiving terrain, with its rocky crags, icy streams, and windswept plains. The language is rich and descriptive, with phrases like "the trail that's steep and long," "the wind that cuts like a knife," and "the snow that's deep and white." These images create a sense of awe and wonder, as well as a feeling of danger and risk.
The second stanza shifts the focus to the relationship between the two friends. The speaker describes his mate as a man of few words, but one who is always there when he is needed. He speaks of the times when they have shared a fire and a meal, and the moments when they have faced danger together. He also acknowledges the times when they have disagreed or had a falling out, but emphasizes that their bond has always remained strong. The language in this stanza is more personal and intimate, with phrases like "we've shared our joys and sorrows," "we've faced the worst together," and "we've had our little tiffs." These words convey a sense of warmth and affection, as well as a deep sense of trust and loyalty.
The third and final stanza is the most emotional and poignant of the poem. The speaker reveals that his mate has passed away, and he is left to mourn his loss. He speaks of the pain and grief that he feels, and the emptiness that is left behind. But he also celebrates the memory of his mate, and the legacy that he has left behind. He speaks of the lessons that he has learned from his mate, and the ways in which he has been changed by their friendship. The language in this stanza is both mournful and uplifting, with phrases like "my heart is sore and lonely," "I miss him more than tongue can tell," and "he's left me richer than a king." These words convey a sense of loss and sorrow, but also a sense of gratitude and appreciation.
One of the key themes of "My Mate" is the power of friendship and loyalty. The poem celebrates the bond between two men who have shared a life together, and who have remained steadfast in their devotion to each other. The poem also explores the idea of mortality and the inevitability of death. The speaker acknowledges that death is a part of life, but also emphasizes the importance of cherishing the memories of those who have passed on.
Another important theme of the poem is the beauty and majesty of nature. The poem is set in a rugged and wild landscape, and the language is rich with descriptions of the natural world. The speaker marvels at the beauty of the mountains, the rivers, and the snow, and acknowledges the power and danger of the elements. The poem suggests that nature is both awe-inspiring and humbling, and that it can bring people together in a shared sense of wonder and respect.
In terms of literary devices, "My Mate" is a masterful example of narrative poetry. The poem tells a story that is both personal and universal, and it does so with a sense of rhythm and flow that is both musical and powerful. The poem also makes use of imagery and metaphor to create a vivid and evocative picture of the world. The language is rich and descriptive, with phrases like "the wind that cuts like a knife" and "the snow that's deep and white" creating a sense of sensory immersion. The poem also uses repetition and parallelism to create a sense of unity and coherence, with phrases like "we've shared our joys and sorrows" and "we've faced the worst together" emphasizing the bond between the two friends.
In conclusion, "My Mate" is a timeless masterpiece of poetry that celebrates the power of friendship and loyalty, the beauty and majesty of nature, and the inevitability of mortality. The poem is a moving tribute to the bond between two men who have shared a life together, and who have remained steadfast in their devotion to each other. The language is rich and evocative, with imagery and metaphor creating a vivid and immersive picture of the world. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience, and to touch the hearts and minds of readers across generations.
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